Systems and methods of secure communication of data from medical devices

ABSTRACT

Disclosed systems and methods include electronic devices attached to a patient or object that transmit data to other devices over a secure communication channel. The devices can track and/or monitor object(s) and/or patient(s) and transmit the tracked and/or monitored data to other electronic devices. Such data can include monitored patient physiological parameter(s) received and/or sensed by the device, for example. A master of the two devices transmits a communication signal to another device that, in response, initiates a secure wireless communication channel, causes one or more modules on the device to be powered, and, when powered, transmits the tracked and/or sensed physiological data over the secure wireless communication channel to the master device. Some example master devices transmit the communication signal with an instruction to the device to activate an onboard power source that later may be disconnected after the tracked and/or physiological data is transmitted.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/409,664, filed May 10, 2019, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/763,103 filed May 10, 2018, bothof which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The collection and/or monitoring of physiological data is an importantaspect of patient healthcare. Patient physiological data can provideinsight into the health and well-being of an individual and provideindication of potential physiological distress. Typically, multipledifferent medical devices and/or machines are used with each devicecapturing data regarding a single or sometimes multiple physiologicalparameters or characteristics. These monitoring systems can bedistressing in their own right to the individual connected to themedical device, often causing the individual to experience some level ofdiscomfort.

Additionally, the medical devices can require support for theirservices, such as connections, like cords or cables, for datatransmission and/or power and/or other resources. These connections canlimit the mobility and/or use of the medical device as it can beconstrained by its support requirements. Constraints, such as theseand/or others, can also contribute to the discomfort of the individualdue to the decreased range of motion and/or limited movement allowed bythe individual while connected to various medical devices and/ormonitors.

To assist with the mobility issue, battery operated wireless devices arebeing adopted to monitor the physiological parameters of a patient. Thebattery-operated devices have drawbacks, notably the time required toconfigure the device, the security of the wireless connection used totransmit patient data, and the operating/running time afforded thedevice by the included batteries. These drawbacks, or constraints, canlimit the ability to deploy, or use, such devices.

There exists a need for systems and/or methods that improve thecollection and/or monitoring of patients.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate an example near-field communication patch system.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example block diagram of a near-fieldcommunication patch system.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example near-field communication physiologicalparameter monitoring patch.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example method of transmitting physiologicalparameter data from a near-field communication patch.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example method of receiving physiologicalparameter data from a near field communication patch.

FIG. 6 illustrates a further example block diagram of a near-fieldcommunication patch system.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example method of transmitting identification datafrom a near-field communication patch.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example method of receiving identification datafrom a near-field communication patch.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Systems and methods are disclosed here that include devices thatcommunicate with each other over a secure communication channel. Oncethe secure communication channel is established, devices that trackobjects and/or monitor data, such as patient physiological parameterdata, can transmit that data to another device over the securecommunication channel. A master of two devices transmits a communicationsignal to another device that, in response, initiates the securewireless communication channel after which the data is transmitted. Someexample devices include near field communication (NFC) capabilities thatelectronically couple the devices using this communication protocolalthough other communication protocols can also be used. Once the securecommunication channel is established, one or more modules in theconnected device(s) are powered, either by the initial communicationsignal itself powering the other device's module(s) or by the initialcommunication signal instructing an on-device power source to power oneor more of the device module(s).

The example embodiments disclosed here describe vital sign patch systemsand methods although the same secure communication channel connectioncan be established between other electronic devices as well. Forexample, the disclosed vital sign patches can be near-fieldcommunication (NFC) patch systems and methods that monitoring patientphysiological parameters or track objects to which they are attached.The system, for example, includes a patch having an NFC component and amaster device. The patch can be placed on a patient to monitor, sense,collect and/or gather physiological information, or data, regarding oneor more physiological parameters of the patient. The patch also includesa communication module to transmit the collected physiologicalinformation from the patch to the master device. The patch and themaster device can be paired together to activate the patch and toexchange security credentials to establish a secure, wirelesscommunication channel between the patch and master device. The pairingof the patch and master device can include the transmission of an NFCsignal from the master device to the patch. Such an NFC signal is ashort-range signal requiring the patch to be in physical contact orclose proximity to the master device. Typically, most NFC signalsoperate within a range of 2-4 centimeters (cm) from the master devicebut can vary in some circumstances.

Receiving the NFC signal induces a current in the patch causing a switchof the patch to complete one or more circuits of the patch to connect anonboard energy source, such as a battery, to one or morecomponents/systems of the patch via the one or more circuits. The one ormore circuits can include circuits to provide power to the communicationmodule to transmit the collected physiological information using acommunication protocol, such as Wi-Fi, WiGig, and/or Bluetooth®, andcircuits to provide power to a physiological monitoring module thatincludes one or more sensors to sense/collect the physiologicalinformation. Collection and/or transmission of the physiological databy/from the patch can be in a continuous or intermittent manner.Additionally, the master device can display/output the collectedphysiological information and/or can transmit the collectedphysiological information, or portion thereof, to another device/system,such as for patient monitoring and/or treatment. Further, the patch canbe optionally returned to a pre-activated, or dormant, state by afurther NFC signal that can cause the switch of the patch to disconnectthe onboard energy source from the one or more circuits.

The master device can be a self-contained device, a connectable device,or integrated in another device. As a self-contained device, the masterdevice can be portable allowing it to be carried by a patient to allowfor extended monitoring of one or more physiological parameters of thepatient. As a connectable device, the master device can be an objectthat can be connected to another object to provide thefunctionality/features of the master device. In an example, the masterdevice can be a computer accessory that can be connected to a computeror another medical device to allow the connected device to receive thecollected physiological information. As an integrated device, the masterdevice features/functionality can be implemented as software that canutilize the hardware/components of the integrated device to perform thevarious features/functions of the master device. For example, the masterdevice can be a mobile device with an application installed thereon. Theapplication can use existing hardware of the mobile device, such as theNFC capability and/or communication capability, to pair/activate thepatch and to receive physiological, or other, information from thepatch.

In another embodiment, the patch can be placed on an object, such as apill bottle or injectable medication, and can store an identificationand/or other information regarding the object. The master device andpatch can be paired to cause the patch to transmit the storedidentification and/or other information regarding the object upon whichthe patch is placed. The master device can receive the objectidentification and can transmit the identification to anotherdevice/system and/or can correlate the identification, such as toconfirm the proper identification of the object. In this manner, theobject can be tracked/monitored using the patch and master device.Additionally, the master device can transmit information to the patchthat can be stored by the patch and can be transmitted by the patchlater.

The NFC patch system can be deployed in hospital, residential and/orother environments, such as emergency or mass-casualty situations. Theease and efficiency of pairing the NFC patch to a master device allowfor the quick application of NFC patches, such as to multiple patients,to monitor one or more patient physiological parameters of one ormultiple patients. Further, pairing the NFC patch with the master devicein the disclosed manners can help eliminate the risk of pairing it tothe incorrect monitor or other master device, which increases accuracyand speed of rescuers in urgent, high-stress environments when patientsare suffering medical emergencies. Additionally, a patient can apply thepatch and gather physiological monitoring data themselves. The NFC patchcan be sufficiently small in size and/or flexible in nature, so as notto unduly inhibit the activities of the patient. The NFC patch can alsoinclude environmental protection, such as water resistance/proofing,allowing the NFC patch to be continuously worn by the patient forextended periods of time without undue inconvenience to the patient.Since the NFC patches are in a dormant state prior to activation, theshelf life of the NFC patches is extended with minimal concern ofonboard energy source depletion prior to activation. This can allow theNFC patches to be stored and used as needed and/or widely distributedacross one or more environments in preparation for use. Further, themaster device can be an existing device, or a relatively small devicethat can be carried by, or transported with, the patient to allow forthe continued physiological parameter monitoring as the patient moves/ismoved.

Still further, the disclosed devices, can also be included in wearablesand/or other articles that are attached to a patient, such as wristwatches, bracelets, harnesses, vests, sleeves, fitted articles ofapparel, and any other wearable item(s) and/or article(s). The disclosedexamples discussed herein relate to the device in the form of a patch tobe placed on a patient and/or object, but equally apply to thesealternative wearables embodiments as well.

For example, in a wearables embodiment, a wearer could wear a watch orother article of manufacture or apparel that can operate in multiplestates. A first state of the wearable could be the typical function ofthe article, such as, in the watch example, the wearable would operateas a watch to give the user the time, date, and other relatedinformation, and could also track and/or monitor various data about thewearer. The wearable, or watch in this example, could then be switchedto a second state of operation in which the wearable would transmit themonitored and/or tracked data about the wearer to a remote device and/ornetwork. For example, the wearable could sense the patient's pulse,blood pressure, heart rate, electrocardiogram (ECG), and/or other senseddata and when activated to the second state, could transmit that data toa remote medical caregiver. The remote medical caregiver can thenmonitor, instruct on therapy to administer to the patient, delivertherapy (such as defibrillation therapy if the wearable has such acapability), interact in bi-directional communication with a rescuer ifthe wearer is experiencing a medical emergency, interact inbi-directional communication with the wearer as needed, senduni-directional prompts or instructions to the wearer or a rescuer, etc.The sensed or otherwise tracked data could be transmitted to a remotedevice or network, as explained in the vital signs patch examples below.

The instruction to switch from the first to the second state ofoperation could be automatic upon detection or identification of aparticular sensed parameter, such as a physiological parameter that isoutside a tolerated range of values, for example. Alternatively oradditionally, the instruction could be received by the wearable from aremote computing device and/or network to begin transmitting the trackedand/or sensed data. For example, a remote caregiver could periodicallycheck the wearer's tracked and/or monitored physiological parameter dataand give treatment and/or therapy advice in response, either immediatelyupon receipt and review of the data or later on during ongoing treatmentof the patient. In another alternative or additional feature, a remotedevice or network could send an instruction to the wearable to transmitthe tracked and/or monitored data according to a preset schedule thatmay also be customized to the wearer's medical condition or according topreviously received data from the patient.

For example, the remote device could be a local monitor defibrillatorbeing used to monitor and/or treat the patient or a remote computingsystem with a medical caregiver or a patient report system that create apatient report to transmit to the next caregiver along the continuum ofcare. For example, sensed physiological data and/or therapy delivered tothe wearer by a rescuer or the wearable could be included in a patientreport that is sent to the hospital caregiver team while the wearer isbeing transported to the hospital from the site of an emergency event.

FIGS. IA and IB illustrate an example near-field communication (NFC)patch system I OO. FIG. IA illustrates an NFC patch I 20 being preparedto be placed on a patient I02. The NFC patch I20 can include sensors tomonitor one or more physiological signs of the patient I 02 and cantransmit data gathered by the monitoring to an external device.

To prepare, or activate, the NFC patch I 20, the NFC patch I 20 can bebrought into the proximity of a master device II0 that can emit an NFCsignal II2. Emission of the NFC signal II2 can be a constant orselective. Selectively emitting the NFC signal I I2 can be caused by auser, device and/or system triggering the master device II0 to emit theNFC signal. Alternatively, the emission of the NFC signal I I 2 can betriggered by detecting the NFC patch I 20 being within the proximity ofthe master device IIO. The NFC signal II2 can be a radio frequency (RF)signal that can be received by the NFC patch I 20. Reception of the NFCsignal I I2 by the NFC patch I20 can induce a current in the NFC patchI20 that can power one or more circuits and/or elements of the NFC patchI 20 to activate the patch I20.

Activation of the NFC patch I20 can cause an onboard energy source, suchas a battery to be activated by connecting the energy source to one ormore circuits and/or elements of the NFC patch I 20. The onboard energysource can be connected to a monitoring circuit of the NFC patch I20that includes a sensor for monitoring the one or more physiologicalparameters. Additionally, upon activation, the NFC patch I20 cantransmit a pairing, or other, code to the master device IIO to establisha wireless communication channel between the NFC patch I 20 and themaster device 110. The established communication channel can be secured,using the pairing, or other, code as authentication/synchronizationbetween the NFC patch 12 and the master device 110. Alternatively, thewireless communication channel can be insecure. Various communicationprotocols, such as Wi-Fi, WiGig, and/or Bluetooth®, can be used toestablish a secure, wireless communication channel between the NFC patch120 and the master device 110. The secure, wireless communicationchannel can be unique to the NFC patch 120 and master device 110 pair.The master device 110 can optionally support the ability to pair tomultiple NFC patches 120. For example, two or more NFC patches 120 canbe paired with the master device 110 to communicate via individualsecure, wireless communication channels. Alternatively, a single secure,or other, wireless communication channel can exist between the two ormore NFC patches 120 and the master device 110.

Since the onboard energy source of the NFC patch 120 is onlyconnected/activated upon activation of the NFC patch 120, the onboardenergy source is not, or is minimally, drained or depleted while the NFCpatch 120 is in a dormant state. This can allow the NFC patch 120 to bestored/unused for a period of time, i.e. a long shelf life. Further,activation of the NFC patch 120 via the NFC signal 110, rather than abutton or physical actuation, can prevent the NFC patch 120 from beinginadvertently being activated during handling. Inadvertent activation ofthe NFC patch 120 can cause draining/depletion of the onboard energysource while the NFC patch 120 is not in use, which can reduce theusability of the NFC patch 120 in an active, physiological monitoringstate.

Once activated and paired with the master device 110, the NFC patch 120can be placed on the patient 102 to monitor the one or morephysiological parameters. FIG. 1B illustrates the NFC patch 120 in placeon the patient 102. The NFC patch 120 can monitor the one or morephysiological parameters and can transmit collected data, such as dataindicative of the monitored/measured physiological parameter(s), to themaster device 110 via the secure, wireless communication channel 122.The monitoring of the one or more physiological parameters and/or thetransmission of the collected data can be continuous, allowing forreal-time monitoring and transmission of physiological parameter data,or it can be intermittent, such as according to a schedule and/or atrigger. For example, the NFC patch 120 can include a circuit and/orelement that can trigger, or cause, the collection and/or transmissionof physiological parameter data at regular intervals. The regularinterval can be predetermined and/or can be configurable, such as by themaster device 110 via the NFC signal 112 and/or the secure, wirelesscommunication channel 122. Alternatively, the NFC signal 112 can beintermittently emitted by the master device 110 to cause the collectionand/or transmission of physiological parameter data by the NFC patch120.

To terminate the collection and/or transmission of physiological, orother, data from the NFC patch 120 to the master device 110, the NFCsignal 112, the wireless communication channel 122, or other signal, canbe emitted by the master device 110 to trigger, or cause, the NFC patch120 to disengage the onboard energy source. Disengaging the onboardenergy source from the one or more previously connected circuits and/orelements can cause the NFC patch 120 to return to a dormant state. Thepairing/activation process of FIG. IA can be performed again toreactivate and use the NFC patch 120.

The NFC patch 120 can be a disposable item, such as for a single-useand/or for use with a single patient 102. The cost of components and/ormanufacture of the NFC patch 120 can be sufficiently low to allow forthe economic and/or efficient use of the NFC patch 120 in a disposablemanner. The disposability of the NFC patch 120 can also assist withpatient 102 safety, by allowing the NFC patch 120 to be single patientuse, which helps prevent the spread of infection that can occur withcleaning and sterilizing medical equipment for re-use, for example.Alternatively, the NFC patch 120 can be reusable to allow the NFC patch120 to be used multiple times with one or more patients 102. Thereusable NFC patch 120 can be constructed to allow it to be sufficientlyclean between uses and/or patients, such as waterproof, ability to besterilized and/or other properties/characteristics to allow the NFCpatch 120 to undergo one or more cleaning/disinfecting, or other,processes.

The NFC patch 120 can also be modular to allow one or moreelements/components of the NFC patch 120 to be removed and/or replaced.For example, the sensor portion of the NFC patch 120 can beconfigurable/modular, to allow a user to select and place a selectedsensor portion on the NFC patch 120 for use. Other modular/replaceableelements/components can include the onboard energy source that can bereplaceable when depleted. Alternatively, the NFC patch 120 can be asingle item with the elements/components permanently affixed and/orsealed thereto.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example near-field communication (NFC)patch system 200 that includes a physiological parameter monitoringpatch 210 and a pairing/monitoring device 270. The physiologicalparameter monitoring patch 210 can be in a dormant state until activatedby an NFC signal, such as 202, from the pairing/monitoring device 270.The NFC signal can be transmitted by the pairing/monitoring device 270selectively, such as being caused by a user interacting with thepairing/monitoring device 270, automatic, such as by constantlybroadcasting the NFC signal, and/or by locating the physiologicalparameter monitoring patch 210 within a proximity of thepairing/monitoring device 270. In an example, the pairing/monitoringdevice 270 can constantly broadcast the NFC signal and the physiologicalparameter monitoring patch 210 can be placed and/or located within therange of the NFC signal and the physiological parameter monitoring patch210 can establish a communication channel, such as 204, with thepairing/monitoring device 270 in response to receiving the NFC signal.Once the communication channel between the physiological parametermonitoring patch 210 and the pairing/monitoring device 270 isestablished, the pairing/monitoring device 270 can cease transmission ofthe automatically broadcasted NFC signal.

In another example, the pairing/monitoring device 270 can broadcast asignal, such as a low power NFC signal, that can be received by thephysiological parameter monitoring patch 210 when the physiologicalparameter monitoring patch 210 and pairing/monitoring device 270 are innear physical proximity of each other. The reception of the low powerNFC signal by the physiological parameter monitoring patch 210 can causethe low power NFC signal to draw additional power from thepairing/monitoring device 270. That is the power draw from thepairing/monitoring device 270 to broadcast the low power NFC signal canincrease when the low power NFC signal is received by and induces anelectric current in the physiological parameter monitoring patch 210.The physiological parameter monitoring patch 210 can be activated bythis low power NFC signal and/or the pairing/monitoring device 270 cantransmit a higher power NFC signal in response to detecting theincreased power draw of the low power NFC signal. The higher power NFCsignal transmitted by the pairing/monitoring device 270 can thenactivate the physiological parameter monitoring patch 210.

The physiological parameter monitoring patch 210 can include acommunication module 220, an NFC module 230, a switch 240, power storage250 and a physiological monitoring module 260. Prior to activation, thephysiological parameter monitoring patch 210 can be in a dormant statewhich can include the disconnection of the power storage 250 from one ormore power drawing components of the physiological parameter monitoringpatch 210, such as the communication module 220 and/or the physiologicalmonitoring module 260. Reception of an NFC signal, such as from thepairing/monitoring device 270, by the NFC module 230 can cause thephysiological parameter monitoring patch 210 to enter an active state inwhich the communication module and/or the physiological monitoringmodule 260 are activated and connected to the power storage 250. Thephysiological monitoring module 260 can begin sensing/collectingphysiological parameter data about a patient and one or more of theirphysiological parameters. The physiological parameter data can then berouted to the communication module 220. The communication module 220 cantransmit the sensed/collected physiological parameter data and/or otherdata from the physiological parameter monitoring patch 210 to thepairing/monitoring device 270 via a communication channel between thetwo. The NFC module 230 can receive a second NFC signal, that can be thesame or different than the initial NFC signal. The reception of thesecond NFC signal can cause the physiological parameter monitoring patch210 to return to a dormant state by causing the power storage 250 to bedisconnected from the power drawing components of the physiologicalparameter monitoring patch 210.

The communication module 220 can include a pairing code 221 and anantenna 222. The communication module 220 can communicate with one ormore external devices and/or systems, such as the pairing/monitoringdevice 270, using one or more wireless communication protocols, such asWi-Fi, WiGig, and/or Bluetooth®. The wireless communication protocol canallow a secured and/or insecure communication channel to be establishedbetween the communication module 220 and the externaldevice(s)/system(s). Pairing code 221 can be used as anauthentication/synchronization to establish a secure communicationchannel between the communication module 220 and the externaldevice(s)/system(s). In an example, the pairing code 221 can be a sharedsecret, such as a link key, that is generated by, and/or stored in, thecommunication module 220. The pairing code 221 can be shared with theexternal device/system so that both the communication module 220 and thepaired external device/system, such as the pairing/monitoring device270, both contain the pairing code 221. Authentication and security ofthe secure communication channel established between the communicationmodule 220 and the external device/system can be confirmed by the sharedpairing code 221 of the two devices.

Alternatively, other secure communication channel protocols and/orimplementations can be used to establish the secure communicationchannel between the communication module 220 and an externaldevice/system, such as the pairing/monitoring device 270. In an example,the physiological parameter monitoring patch 210 can include a passcode,such as a predetermined password/passphrase that can be disposed onphysiological parameter monitoring patch 210. The predeterminedpassword/passphrase can be entered in the external device/system, suchas the pairing/monitoring device, to establish a secure communicationchannel between the physiological parameter monitoring patch 210 and theexternal device/system. The password/passphrase can be used toauthenticate the external device/system to the communication module 220to establish the secure communication channel. To enter thepredetermined password/passphrase, a user can enter thepassword/passphrase into the external device/system using an inputdevice. Alternatively, the external device/system can include a capturedevice that can capture the predetermined password/passphrase and storethe captured password/passphrase for authentication to the physiologicalparameter monitoring patch 210. For example, the external device/systemcan include a camera that can image a predetermined password/passphrase,such a matrix encoded password/passphrase that is disposed on thephysiological parameter monitoring patch 210. The ability for theexternal device/system to capture and store the predeterminedpassword/passphrase with minimal to no user intervention can increasethe efficiency and/or accuracy of transferring the predeterminedpassword/passphrase to the external device/system. The predeterminedpassword/passphrase can be used to authenticate and/or establish asecure communication channel between the physiological parametermonitoring patch 210 and the external device/system.

The antenna 222 can be electrically connected to the communicationmodule 220 to broadcast one or more signals from the communicationmodule 220, such as the transmission of physiological data. The antennacan also receive incoming signals from an external device and/or system,such as the pairing/monitoring device 210. The incoming signals can beprocessed by the communication module 220 or other component of thephysiological parameter monitoring patch 210.

The NFC module 230 can include a transceiver 231 and a controller 232.The transceiver 231 can transmit and receive signals from/to the NFCmodule 230. For example, the transceiver 231 can receive a signal, suchas an NFC signal, from an external device and/or system. The receptionof a signal by the NFC module, or the transceiver 231, can induce acurrent in the NFC module. An antenna, circuitry and/or wiring of theNFC module 230, or transceiver 231, can be arranged and/or constructedto cause a current to be induced in the NFC module 230 by the receptionof a signal, such as the NFC signal. The induced current can power oneor more components of the NFC module, such as the transmittercapabilities of the transceiver 231 and/or the controller 232.

Alternatively, the controller 232 shown in FIG. 2 could be included inthe communication module 220 or could be a standalone component in thephysiological parameter monitoring patch 210. Regardless of where thecontroller physically resides, it can be powered by the induced currentof the NFC module 230 to perform one or more functions and/or featuresof the physiological parameter monitoring patch 210.

In an example, the controller 232 can receive, or retrieve the pairingcode 221 from the communication module 220 and can cause the pairingcode 221 to be transmitted to an external device/system by thetransceiver 231. Additionally, the controller 232 can cause the switch240 to be activated to connect the power storage 250 to one or morepowered components of the physiological parameter monitoring patch 210,such as the communication module 220 and/or the physiological monitoringmodule 260. In this manner, the controller 232 causes the activation ofthe physiological parameter monitoring patch 210, by activating theswitch 240, and the pairing of the physiological parameter monitoringpatch 210 with an external device/system, such as the pairing/monitoringdevice 270, in response to the received NFC signal. Control of theswitch 240 by the NFC module 230 can prevent the inadvertent connectionof the power storage 250 to one or more powered components of thephysiological parameter monitoring patch 210, which can preventundue/unnecessary depletion of the power storage 250 prior to use of thephysiological parameter monitoring patch 210. Additionally, thecontroller 232 of the NFC module 230 can also cause the switch 240 todisconnect the power storage 250 from the one or more powered componentsof the physiological parameter monitoring patch 210 in response to asecond received signal, such as another NFC signal. In this manner, theNFC module 230 can control the active and dormant states of thephysiological parameter monitoring patch 210 in response to receivedNFC, or other, signals by controlling the switch 240.

In an embodiment, the NFC module 230 can also harvest power from one ormore signals, such as a constantly broadcasted NFC signal, to providethe necessary electrical power to the one or more powered components ofthe physiological parameter monitoring patch 210. The poweredcomponents, such as the communication module 220 and/or thephysiological parameter monitoring module 260, can be of a low-powerdesign. The low-power design of the powered components can reduce theamount of energy required to be harvested by the NFC module 230. Thereduced energy requirement can allow the NFC module 230 to have arelatively small form factor so that the various components can be fiton the physiological parameter monitoring patch 210.

The switch 240 can be electrically connected to the power storage 250,the NFC module 230 and the powered components of the physiologicalparameter monitoring patch 210, such as the communication module 220and/or the physiological monitoring module 260. In response to a signalfrom the NFC module 230, such as a digital output, the switch 240 canclose one or more connections to complete one or more circuits toprovide power from the power storage 250 to the powered components ofthe physiological parameter monitoring patch 210 and/or the NFC module230. Once connected to the power storage 250, the one or more poweredcomponents and/or the NFC module 230 can perform one or more functions,such as the collection and/or transmission of physiological data. In anexample, the switch 240 can be a metal-oxide semiconductor field-effecttransistor (MOSFET), or other suitable, element that can complete one ormore circuits in response to an input, such as a signal from the NFCmodule 230. The switch 240 can also be a mechanical switch that can beelectrically operated by the NFC module 230 and/or manually actuated bya user to prepare and/or active the physiological parameter monitoringpatch 210 for use.

The power storage 250 can include a battery 251, or other power/energystorage device, such as any energy harvesting source like solar orthermal power. The power storage 250 can be selectively electricallycoupled to one or more other components/systems of the physiologicalparameter monitoring patch 210, such as in response to a signal from theNFC module 230 to the switch 240. Once electrically connected, the oneor more components/systems of the physiological parameter monitoringpatch 210 can be supplied electrical power by the battery 251 of thepower storage 250. The size, or capacity, of the battery 251 can besufficient to supply the necessary electrical energy for a desiredand/or required runtime, or use time, of the physiological parametermonitoring patch 210. The powered components/systems of thephysiological parameter monitoring patch 210, such as the communicationmodule 220 and/or the physiological parameter monitoring module 260, canhave various power consumptions based on the communication protocol usedand/or the power requirements physiological monitoring module 260 basedon the one or more physiological parameters being monitored. For powerintensive monitoring, such as the continuous streaming of physiologicaldata from physiological parameter monitoring patch 210 and/or themonitoring of certain physiological parameters, the battery 251 of thephysiological parameter monitoring patch 210 can have an increasedenergy capacity, such as a cylindrical lithium ion cell(s), for example.For monitoring the lower power consumption, the battery 251 can have alower energy capacity, and likely a smaller form factor due to thedecreased energy capacity, such as carbon-zinc or coin cell batteries,for example. Additionally, the battery 251, and/or other energy storagedevices of the power storage 250, can be selectively removable to allowthe replacement of the battery 251 with a new and/or recharged battery251 both by physical connection and by wireless/inductive charging.

In an embodiment, the power/energy storage device of the power storage250 can be a capacitor for some short-use applications like a single usethermometer, for example, and other applications in which limitedduration power consumption is required. The capacitor can store andrelease electrical energy to provide electrical power to the one or moreelectrically connected components/systems of the physiological parametermonitoring patch 210. The capacitor can be charged by the NFC module 230receiving one or more signals, such as an NFC signal, that induce acurrent in the NFC module 230 that can be used to charge the capacitorof the power storage 250.

The physiological monitoring module 260 can include one or more sensors261 to monitor one or more physiological parameters of a person, such asa patient. The physiological parameter monitoring patch 210 can beactivated and placed onto a person, where the physiological parametermonitoring module 260 senses and/or collects physiological data of theone or more physiological parameters being monitored. Thesensed/collected physiological data can then be transmitted from thephysiological monitoring module 260 to the communication module 220 fortransmission to an external device and/or system, such as thepairing/monitoring device 270. Example sensors 261 can include sensorsto monitor a temperature 262, an electrocardiogram (ECG) 263, anon-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) 264, a pulse oximetry 265 and/orother sensors to monitor, or collect data on, one or more physiologicalparameters of a patient. The temperature sensor 262 can include athermocouple, or other temperature sensing element, to sense dataregarding the temperature of the patient on which the physiologicalparameter monitoring patch 210 is placed. The ECG sensor 263 can includeone or more electrodes to monitor and/or collect ECG data of the patienton which the physiological parameter monitoring patch 210 is placed. TheNIBP sensor 264 can include one or more elements/systems to collect dataregarding the blood pressure of the patient on which the physiologicalparameter monitoring patch 210 is placed. The pulse oximetry sensor 265can include a light emitter and detector to determine an oxygensaturation (SpO2) of the patient on which the physiological parametermonitoring patch 210 is placed.

Data regarding the one or more sensed/monitored physiological parameterscan be collected continuously or intermittently by the sensor 261. In anexample in which the data is collected intermittently, the controller232 of the NFC module 230, or other control device/system of thephysiological parameter monitoring patch 210, can cause the sensor 261to collect physiological data in an intermittent manner. Theintermittent manner can be at regularly occurring intervals, such aspredetermined intervals or in response to a regularly received signalfrom an external device/system, such as from the pairing/monitoringdevice 270. The intermittent manner can also be selective, such as inresponse to a received signal from an external device/system, such asfrom the pairing/monitoring device 270. The selective manner can allow auser to query the physiological parameter monitoring patch 210 asneeded, to obtain physiological data. The physiological data can becollected by an analog or digital signal. For applications in which thedata is sensed by an analog signal, the data is then converted to adigital signal using an analog to digital converter (ADC).

In addition to collecting physiological data continuously orintermittently by the physiological monitoring module 260, thephysiological parameter monitoring patch 210 can continuously orintermittently transmit the collected physiological data, such as byintermittently transmitting the collected data from the communicationmodule 220 and/or by the physiological monitoring module 260intermittently transmitting the collected physiological data to thecommunication module 220 for transmission.

Intermittently collecting physiological data and/or transmitting thecollected physiological data can allow the power storage 250 to last fora longer overall period of time until depleted beyond a usable levelsince the power from the power storage 250 is intermittently used.Intermittently collecting physiological data can include collectingphysiological data by the physiological monitoring module 260intermittently for a period of time. For example, the intermittentcollection/transmission of physiological data can be at regularintervals, such as every 5 minutes, and the collection interval can be Iminute. That is, I minute of physiological data will be collected andtransmitted with a 5-minute pause between the I-minute collectionintervals. Alternatively, the intermittent collection/transmission ofphysiological data can include the continuous collection ofphysiological data, such as by the physiological monitoring module 260,and the intermittent transmission of the collected physiological data.For example, every 5 minutes, the collected physiological data,physiological data collected during that 5-minute interval, can betransmitted from the physiological parameter monitoring patch 210, suchas by the communication module 220.

The pairing/monitoring device 270 can include a communication module280, a processing module 290 and an optional output device 295. Thecommunication module 280 can broadcast an NFC signal to and establish acommunication channel with the physiological parameter monitoring patch210 to activate and receive physiological data from the physiologicalparameter monitoring patch 210. The processing module 290 can controlone or more functions and/or features of the pairing/monitoring device270 and/or can store various data, such as the received physiologicaldata from the physiological parameter monitoring patch 210. The outputdevice 295 can output information, such as indications of pairing withthe physiological parameter monitoring patch 210, information regardingthe received physiological data from the physiological parametermonitoring patch 210 and/or information regarding one or morefunctions/features of the pairing/monitoring device 270.

The communication module 280 can include a pairing 281, such as apairing code, an antenna 282 and an NFC transceiver 283. The pairing 281can include a code or other cryptographic/authentication item such, as apasscode/passphrase. To pair the pairing/monitoring device 270 and thephysiological parameter monitoring patch 210, the pairing 281 can beshared from the pairing/monitoring device 270 or the physiologicalparameter monitoring patch 210 can share a pairing 221 that can bestored in the pairing/monitoring device 270 as pairing 281. The pairingdata is synchronized between the two paired devices, such as thephysiological parameter monitoring patch 210 and the pairing/monitoringdevice 270. The pairing of the two devices allow the devices toauthenticate and/or secure communications between the two paireddevices.

The communication module 280 can receive information, such asphysiological data, from the communication module 220 of thephysiological parameter monitoring patch 210 and/or can transmitinformation to the physiological parameter monitoring patch 210 via theantenna 282. Additionally, or alternatively, the communication module280 can establish a communication channel with an externaldevice/system, other than the physiological parameter monitoring patch210, via the antenna 282. In this manner, the collected physiologicaldata received by the communication module from physiological parametermonitoring patch 210 can be transmitted to the external device/system,such as a remote server, a medical device, a nursing station, a visualdisplay and/or other devices/systems.

The NFC transceiver 282 can broadcast the NFC signal from thepairing/monitoring device 270. The NFC signal can be received by thephysiological parameter monitoring patch 210 to activate thephysiological parameter monitoring patch 210. The NFC transceiver 282can also receive information and/or data from the NFC module 230 of thephysiological parameter monitoring patch 210, such as the pairing 221 ofthe physiological parameter monitoring patch 210. The received pairing221 by the NFC transceiver 283 can be stored as pairing 281 of thecommunication module 280 to establish the communication channel betweenthe physiological parameter monitoring patch 210 and thepairing/monitoring device 270. The NFC transceiver 282 can selectively,intermittently, or continuously broadcast the NFC signal, the broadcastof which can be terminated upon the pairing of the physiologicalparameter monitoring patch 210 and the pairing/monitoring device 270.

To pair the physiological parameter monitoring patch 210, a user can“tap” the physiological parameter monitoring patch 210 to thepairing/monitoring device 270 and/or place the physiological parametermonitoring patch 210 within range of the NFC signal from the NFCtransceiver 283. The two devices, the physiological parameter monitoringpatch 210 and the pairing/monitoring device 270, can exchange pairinginformation, such as pairing 221 and/or 281, to establish acommunication channel between the two devices. The pairing of thephysiological parameter monitoring patch 210 and the pairing/monitoringmodule 270 can therefore be an efficient and/or fast process thatrequires little user intervention to perform. The reduced userintervention can also reduce the potential for error during the pairingprocess. The efficiency/speed of the pairing process can allow the NFCpatch system 200 to be quickly and/or efficiently deployed in emergencysituations, such as mass casualty situations. A user can quickly pairone or more physiological parameter monitoring patches 210 with apairing/monitoring device 270 that can be assigned to an individualpatient. The one or more physiological parameter monitoring patches 210can provide physiological data for one or more physiological parametersof the patient to the pairing/monitoring device 270. The collectedphysiological data can then be used to assess, monitor and/or treat thepatient.

The NFC transceiver 283 can also broadcast a power signal. The powersignal can be received by the physiological parameter monitoring patch210 to power one or more components, functions and/or features of thephysiological parameter monitoring patch 210. In an example, the NFCtransceiver 283 can first broadcast the NFC signal to pair thepairing/monitoring device 270 and the physiological parameter monitoringpatch 210, once paired, the NFC transceiver 283 can broadcast the powersignal to supply power to the physiological parameter monitoring patch210 by inducing a current in the NFC module 230 of the physiologicalparameter monitoring patch 210.

The processing module 290 can include a processor 291 and memory 292.The processor 291 can execute one or more instructions, such asinstructions stored in the memory 292, to control one or more featuresof the pairing/monitoring device 270. Controlling one or more featuresof the pairing/monitoring device 270 by the processor 291, can includecontrolling the communication with and/or activation of thephysiological parameter monitoring patch 210 by the communication module280 and/or the receiving, processing, analyzing and/or storage ofphysiological data received from the physiological parameter monitoringpatch 210. The physiological data received from the physiologicalparameter monitoring patch 210 can be stored in the memory 292, as canany processing/analysis of the received physiological data.

The output device 295 can include a visual output 296, such as adisplay, and/or an audible output 297, such as a speaker. The outputdevice 295 can output the received physiological data from thephysiological parameter monitoring patch 210 to convey such data to anearby user. Additionally, the processing module 290 can performanalysis of the received physiological data, such as an assessment ofthe data to a normal value or range, and the output module 295 canprovide an output based on such analysis. For example, if thepairing/monitoring device 270 determines an abnormal value of aphysiological parameter monitored via the physiological parametermonitoring patch 210, the output device 295 can output an alarm ornotification to alert a user to the abnormal measurement. The audibleoutput can also be used to alert a user/rescuer that the physiologicalparameter monitoring patch 210 is activated, paired, and deactivated,among other alerts. The user/rescuer notification can be audible,visual, haptic or some combination thereof.

The pairing/monitoring device 270 can be a self-contained device, adevice that can be connected to another device and/or the variousfunctionality/features of the pairing/monitoring device 270 can beintegrated with another device. In an embodiment, the pairing monitoringdevice 270 can be a self-contained device that can be connected to apower source, such as via a cord, can be wirelessly charged by inductivecharging, for example, or can include its own power supply, such as abattery. The self-contained, pairing/monitoring device 270 can beportable allowing it to be brought to and/or transported with a patient.

In another embodiment, the paring/monitoring device 270 can be aconnectable device, such as computer accessory, that can be connected toone or more devices, such as a computer or medical device, to providethe functionality/features described herein. As a connectable device,the pairing/monitoring device 270 can pair with and receivephysiological data from the physiological parameter monitoring patch210, the received physiological data can then be transmitted to theconnected device, such as a computer or medical device. For example, thepairing/monitoring device 270 can be a USB (Universal Serial Bus) donglethat can be connected to a USB port of a computer or medical device toallow the connected device to receive physiological data from thephysiological parameter monitoring patch 210.

In a further embodiment, the functionality/features of thepairing/monitoring device 270 can be integrated in another device. Theother device can include existing hardware, such as a communicationmodule 280 and an NFC transceiver 283, and the pairing/monitoring device270 can be software, such as an application, that can utilize hardwarefunctionality of the other device to provide the pairing/monitoringdevice 270 functionality/features described herein. For example, thepairing/monitoring device 270 can be an application, or app, that can beinstalled on a mobile device, such as a cellular phone or a tabletcomputer. The mobile device can include existing hardware that can beutilized by the pairing/monitoring device 270 app to provide/allow thefunctionality described herein. As a software implementation, thepairing/monitoring device 270 can be installed on existing devices,which can increase the efficiency and/or speed of the NFC monitoringpatch system 200. Additionally, such software implementation of thepairing/monitoring device 270 can allow the pairing/monitoring device270 to integrate with one or more existing programs and/or systems, suchas a patient record keeping system. Further, the software implementationcan be installed on a patient's mobile device, tablet, smart phone, orany other computing device to allow the continued collection ofphysiological data via the physiological parameter monitoring patch 210.Collected physiological data can then be transmitted to a healthcaresystem and/or provider to allow for monitoring and/or treatment of thepatient.

FIG. 3 is an example near-field communication (NFC) physiologicalparameter monitoring patch 300. The NFC patch 300 includes aphysiological monitoring module 310, a battery 320, a switch 330, an NFCmodule 340, a communication module 350 and an antenna 360. Also shownare various pathways/connections, including a digital connection, apower connection and a ground connection. In response to a received NFCsignal, the physiological parameter monitoring patch 300 can beactivated and can begin to monitor a physiological parameter, sensingdata regarding the physiological parameter by the physiologicalmonitoring module 310. The collected physiological data can then betransmitted to an external device/system by the communication module 350and the antenna 360.

The NFC module 340 includes an antenna 342. The antenna 342 receives anNFC signal from an external device/system, such as a pairing device. Thereceived NFC signal by the antenna 342 induces a current in the NFCmodule 340, providing power for the NFC module 340 to perform one ormore functions. In the example shown in FIG. 3 , a controller,processor, or other element, of the NFC module 340 transmits a digitalsignal to the switch 330. The switch 330, can be a MOSFET element, andcan complete one or more circuits in response to the received digitalsignal from the NFC module 340. Additionally, the NFC module 340 canbroadcast a signal in response to the received NFC signal. The responsesignal can include information to pair the communication module 350 ofthe physiological parameter monitoring patch 300 with the externaldevice/system to establish a communication channel there between.

The switch 330 can complete a circuit between the battery 320 and thephysiological monitoring module 310 and the communication module 350 viathe power connection. The physiological monitoring module 310 and/or thecommunication module 350 can perform one or more functions usingpower/energy supplied by the battery 320 due to the circuit completed bythe switch 330 in response to the received NFC signal by the NFC module.The energized physiological monitoring module 310 can sense and/orcollect physiological data regarding one or more physiologicalparameters by one or more sensors of the physiological monitoring module310. The collected physiological data can be output as a digital signalthat can be transmitted through the NFC module 340 to the communicationmodule 350. The communication module 350 can transmit the collectedphysiological data to the external device/system via the antenna 360.

The communication module 350 can use one or more communicationprotocols, such as Wi-Fi, WiGig, and/or Bluetooth®, to transmit thecollected physiological data from the physiological parameter monitoringpatch 300 to the external device/system. To deactivate the physiologicalparameter monitoring patch 300, the battery can be decoupled from theother components of the physiological parameter monitoring patch 300 bythe switch 330 in response to a signal received by the NFC module 340.The signal received by the NFC module 340 could be a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi,WiGig, or NFC signal, for example, but could include any suitabledeactivating signal that instructs the physiological parametermonitoring patch 300 to decouple the battery from the other activecomponents on the patch 300.

In this manner, the physiological parameter monitoring patch 300 can beactivated and/or deactivated, as needed or required. Theactivation/deactivation of the physiological parameter monitoring patch300 can allow for intermittent monitoring and transmission ofphysiological data by/from the physiological parameter monitoring patch300 to the external device/system. Additionally, theactivation/deactivation can extend the use time of the physiologicalparameter monitoring patch 300 due to the intermittentcollection/transmission of physiological data, since the use of thephysiological parameter monitoring patch 300 is spread out over a longerperiod of time.

The physiological parameter monitoring patch 300 can be placed on and/oraffixed to a patient with one or more securing elements. To secure thephysiological parameter monitoring patch 300 to a patient, thephysiological parameter monitoring patch 300 can include an adhesivebacking, for example, which allows the physiological parametermonitoring patch 300 to be temporarily affixed to the skin of thepatient. Alternatively, the physiological parameter monitoring patch 300can be held against or affixed to the skin of the patient by strapping,taping or bandaging the physiological parameter monitoring patch 300 tothe patient.

FIG. 4 is an example method 400 of transmitting physiological data froma near-field communication patch, such as a physiological parametermonitoring patch, to an external device/system. At 402, thephysiological parameter monitoring patch receives an NFC signal. Inresponse to the received NFC signal, the physiological parametermonitoring patch can optionally activate an onboard power source at 404.Alternatively, the physiological parameter monitoring patch can derivepower from the received NFC signal. At 406, the physiological parametermonitoring patch initiates a secure wireless communication channel withthe external device/system. To establish the secure wirelesscommunication channel, the physiological parameter monitoring patch andthe external device/system can exchange authentication information, suchas a pairing code or more complex security codes such as SHA-I, SHA-2,or SHA-256, for example. Any authentication protocol can be implementedto pair the physiological parameter monitoring patch and the masterdevice. The secure wireless communication channel can be establishedusing one or more communication protocols, such as the Wi-Fi, WiGig,and/or Bluetooth® communication protocol. At 408, the physiologicalparameter monitoring patch can receive and/or sense physiologicalparameter data, such as from one or more physiological parametermonitoring sensors. Example physiological parameter monitoring sensorscan include sensors to sense a temperature, an electrocardiogram (ECG),a non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) and/or an oxygen saturation of thepatient. The collected physiological data can then be transmitted overthe secure wireless communication channel at 410 to the externaldevice/system. At 412, optionally, the onboard power source can bedisconnected/deactivated to return the physiological parametermonitoring patch to a dormant state, such as prior to 402.

FIG. 5 is an example method 500 of receiving physiological data from anear-field communication (NFC) patch, such as a physiological parametermonitoring patch, by an external device/system. At 502, to activate thephysiological parameter monitoring patch, the external device/system cantransmit an NFC signal. At 504, the external device/system can establisha secure wireless communication channel with the physiological parametermonitoring patch. The secure wireless communication channel can besecured by the exchange of authentication data, such as a pairing codeor other authentication protocol, for example, between the externaldevice/system and the physiological parameter monitoring patch.Additionally, the secure wireless communication channel can use one ormore communication protocols, such as Wi-Fi, WiGig, and/or Bluetooth®,to transmit and/or receive information via the secure wirelesscommunication channel. At 506, the external device/system can receivephysiological parameter data from the physiological parameter monitoringpatch. The received physiological parameter data can be collected by oneor more sensors of the physiological parameter monitoring patch. At 508,optionally, the external device/system can transmit a cease signal tothe physiological parameter monitoring patch. Reception of the ceasesignal by the physiological parameter monitoring patch can cause thephysiological parameter monitoring patch to return to a dormant state,such as prior to 502.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a further example near-field communication(NFC) patch system 600 that includes a monitoring patch 620 placed on anobject 610 and a pairing/monitoring device 660 that can interrogate themonitoring patch 660 for identification and/or other information. Themonitoring patch 620 includes an identification module 640 that includesidentification 641 information that identifies and/or includesadditional information regarding the object 610. The identification 641can be communicated by a communication module 642, of the identificationmodule 640, to the pairing/tracking device 660. The pairing/trackingdevice 660 can receive the identification 641 which can be stored and/ortransmitted to an external device, system and/or user, by thepairing/tracking device 660.

The object 610 can be an object that is desired, or required, to betracked and/or information to be gathered/collected about. For example,the object 610 can include a pill bottle, a patient identificationbracelet, an injectable medication and/or other objects. The monitoringpatch 620 can include information regarding the object 610 and cantransmit the information to the pairing/tracking device 660 wheninterrogated by the pairing/tracking device 660. This informationreceived by the tracking/pairing device 660 can be used to track theobject, such as from an origin to a destination to confirm properdelivery, and/or to confirm the identification of the object, such asconfirming the correct injectable medication is being prepared foradministration to a patient. Additionally, the tracking can includecorrelation capabilities, such as allowing confirming two or moreobjects 610 should be associated together. For example, in preparationto administer a medication, a patient identification can be interrogatedto receive patient information that can include data regarding apotential drug interaction and the medication can be interrogated toreceive medication information. The tracking capability can confirm thatthe received patient identification information did not includeindications of a drug interaction with the medication that wasinterrogated. Such tracking can increase patient safety by confirmingand/or tracking various information regarding one or more objects 610 byattached monitoring patches 620.

The monitoring patch 620 can include an NFC module 630, theidentification module 640 and a power module 650. An NFC signal, such as602, can be received by the monitoring patch 620 to cause the monitoringpatch 620 to be activated and to transmit identification 641 in responseto the activation. The NFC module 630 can include an optional pairing631, an antenna 632 and a switch 633. In response to the received NFCsignal 602, a current is induced in the NFC module 630 that can causethe switch 633 to complete a circuit to supply power, or electricalenergy, from the power module 650 to the identification module 640,thereby activating the monitoring patch 620. The antenna 632 of the NFCmodule 630 can receive the NFC signal 602 and can be constructed and/orarranged to have a current induced by the reception of the NFC signal602. The pairing 631 can include authentication, or other information,that can be transmitted from the monitoring patch 620 to thepairing/tracking device 660 to establish a secured wirelesscommunication channel between the two. Alternatively, an unsecuredwireless communication channel between the two can be established. Thepairing 631 can include a pairing code/key that can be shared by themonitoring patch 620 and the pairing/tracking device 660 tovalidate/authenticate the secure wireless communication channel therebetween.

The identification module 640 can include identification 641 andcommunication module 642. Once electrically connected to the powermodule 650 by the switch 633, the communication module 642 can transmitthe identification 641 to the pairing/tracking device 660 via the securewireless communication channel. The secure wireless communicationchannel can use one or more communication protocols, such as Wi-Fi,WiGig, and/or Bluetooth®.

The identification 641 can include identification of the object 610,such as a patient or medication name, and/or additional object 610information, such as patient medical information or medicationexpiration date. The identification 641 can be transmitted by thecommunication module 642 to the tracking/pairing device 660. Theidentification 641 can be updated, and/or altered, by receivedcommunications/data via the communication module 642. For example, theidentification 641 can include object 610 location information. When themonitoring patch 620 is interrogated at a new/different location thanthat stored in the identification 641, the communication module 642 canrequest and/or receive updated location information, such as from thepairing/tracking device 660 that can then be stored in theidentification 641.

The power module 650 can include one or more energy storage devices,such as a battery, that can be permanent or replaceable. The powermodule 650 can be disconnected and/or connected from one or morecomponents of the monitoring patch 620 by the switch 633 in response toa received NFC signal 602. Additionally, the identification module 640can cause the switch 633 to disconnect the power module 650 once thetransmission of the identification 641 is complete. This can allow themonitoring patch 620, and in some examples the object 610, to preservepower by disconnecting the power module 650 to prevent depletion of thepower module 650 while the monitoring patch 620 is in a dormant state.

The pairing/tracking device 660 can include a communication module 670and a processing module 680. The pairing/tracking device 660 can emitthe NFC signal 602 to activate the monitoring patch 620 on the object610 to receive object 610 identification 641, and/or other object 610information, from the monitoring patch 620. The collected object 610identification 641 and/or other information can be stored, such as inmemory 682, provided to a user, such as by a visual and/or audibleoutput, and/or transmitted to an external device/system, such as by thecommunication module 670.

The communication module 670 can include pairing 671, an antenna 672 andan NFC transceiver 673. The NFC transceiver 673 can emit the NFC signal602 and can receive a response signal from the NFC module 630 of themonitoring patch 620. The response signal can include pairing 631 thatcan be stored as pairing 671 of the communication module 670. In thismanner, the pairing 631 of the monitoring patch 620 is synchronizedto/matched with the pairing 671 of the pairing/tracking device 660.Alternatively, the pairing 671 of the pairing/tracking device 660 can betransmitted to the monitoring patch 620, to be stored as pairing 631, bythe NFC transceiver 673 emitted NFC signal 602. The sharing of thepairing 631, 671 between the monitoring patch 620 and thepairing/tracking device 660 can allow the secure wireless communicationchannel there between to be established, secured and/or authenticated.

The antenna 672 can receive identification 641 from the monitoring patch620 in an active state and/or can transmit data to the monitoring patch620 via the secure wireless communication channel. The antenna 672 canalso communicate with an external device/system via a wirelesscommunication channel that can be secured or unsecured. Identification641, or other data, can be transmitted to the external device/system viathe antenna 672.

The processing module 680 can include a processor 681 and memory 682.The processor 681 can process information, execute instructions, such asstored in the memory 682, and/or can control one or morefunctions/features of the pairing/tracking device 660. The memory 682can store received identification 641 and the processor 681 canoptionally correlate/analyze received identification 641 informationfrom one or more objects 610. The correlation/analysis of the receivedidentification 641 information can be used to determine potentialrelationship issues between the one or more objects 610, such as a druginteraction and/or a wrongful administration of a medication.

FIG. 7 is an example method 700 of transmitting identification data froma monitoring patch. At 702, the monitoring patch receives an NFC signal.The received NFC signal causes an onboard power source to be activatedat 704. In an example, the NFC signal received at 702 can induce acurrent in the monitoring patch that can cause a switch to electricallycouple one or more components/systems of the monitoring patch to theonboard power source, such as a battery. At 706, a secure wirelesscommunication channel can be optionally initiated. The secure wirelesscommunication channel can be established between the monitoring patchand an external device/system, such as the external device/system thattransmitted the NFC signal at 702. Alternatively, an unsecured wirelesscommunication channel can be established. At 708, identificationinformation is transmitted. The identification information can includean identification of an object upon which the monitoring patch is placedor affixed, and/or can include other information regarding the object.At 710, the onboard power source can be optionally disconnected. Thedisconnection of the onboard power source from the one or morecomponents/systems of the monitoring patch can be in response to areceived signal from the external device/system, can be a timer baseddisconnect and/or can be in response to the transmission of theidentification data at 708.

FIG. 8 is an example method 800 for receiving identificationinformation, such as by an external device/system from a monitoringpatch on an object. At 802, an NFC signal can be transmitted. Thetransmitted NFC signal, such as from the external device/system, cancause the monitoring patch to transition from a dormant state to anactive state in which an onboard power source is electrically coupled toone or more components/systems of the monitoring patch. At 804, anoptional secure wireless communication channel can be established withthe monitoring patch. An exchange of pairing codes/keys can be used toestablish the secure wireless communication channel between the externaldevice/system and the monitoring patch. Alternatively, the wirelesscommunication channel can be unsecured. At 806, identification data isreceived, such as receiving identification and/or other object data fromthe monitoring patch. At 808, the received identification data can beoptionally stored in a patient history. The storing of theidentification and/or other object data in the patient history can trackthe use of one or more objects with relation to a particular patient.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the followingclaims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific formsor in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or amethod or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate,may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be used forrealizing the invention in diverse forms thereof.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A device, comprising: a sensor configuredto detect a physiological parameter; an energy source; a firsttransceiver configured to: transmit a first signal indicating thephysiological parameter to an external device; and receive a secondsignal disconnecting the energy source from the sensor; a secondtransceiver configured to receive a short-range wireless communicationthat induces a current in a circuit; and a switch configured to:activate the sensor by connecting the energy source to the sensor inresponse to the short-range wireless communication inducing the currentto supply power to the circuit, the sensor being activated in responseto the sensor being connected to the energy source; and in response tothe first transceiver receiving the second signal, and the current nolonger being induced in the circuit, disconnect the sensor from theenergy source, the second signal being received utilizing a differentcommunication protocol than the short-range wireless communicationinducing the current.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the energysource comprises a chemical source of current.
 3. The device of claim 1,wherein: the sensor comprises a temperature sensor; and the energysource comprises a capacitor.
 4. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising: an analog to digital converter configured to: receive, fromthe sensor, an analog signal comprising data indicating thephysiological parameter; convert the data to a digital signal; andtransmit, to the first transceiver, the digital signal, wherein thefirst transceiver is configured to transmit the digital signal as thefirst signal to the external device.
 5. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising: a display or a speaker configured to output informationindicating the physiological parameter.
 6. The device of claim 1,wherein the switch is further configured to refrain from disconnectingthe energy source, in response to reception of the short-range wirelesscommunication ending, until the second signal is received by the firsttransceiver.
 7. A device, comprising: a sensor configured to detect aphysiological parameter; an energy source configured to supply power tothe sensor; a first transceiver configured to: transmit a first signalindicating the physiological parameter to an external device; andreceive a second signal disconnecting the energy source from the sensor;a second transceiver configured to receive a short-range wirelesscommunication that induces a current in a circuit; and a switchconfigured to: connect the sensor to the energy source in response tothe short-range wireless communication inducing the current to supplypower to the circuit, the sensor being activated in response to thesensor being connected to the energy source, and in response to thefirst transceiver receiving the second signal, and the current no longerbeing induced in the circuit, disconnect the sensor from the energysource, the second signal being received utilizing a differentcommunication protocol than the short-range wireless communicationinducing the current.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the energysource comprises a chemical source of current.
 9. The device of claim 7,wherein: the sensor comprises a temperature sensor; and the energysource comprises a capacitor.
 10. The device of claim 7, furthercomprising: an analog to digital converter configured to: receive, fromthe sensor, an analog signal comprising data indicating thephysiological parameter; convert the analog signal to a digital signal;and transmit, to the first transceiver, the digital signal, wherein thefirst transceiver is configured to transmit the digital signal as thefirst signal to the external device.
 11. The device of claim 7, furthercomprising: a display or a speaker configured to output informationindicating the physiological parameter.
 12. The device of claim 7,wherein the external device is a mobile device, a tablet, or asmartphone configured to: receive the first signal indicating thephysiological parameter; and transmit a third signal indicating thephysiological parameter to a healthcare system.
 13. The device of claim7, wherein the switch is further configured to disconnect the firsttransceiver from the energy source in response to the current beinginduced in the circuit.
 14. The device of claim 7, wherein the switch isfurther configured to refraining from disconnecting the energy source,in response to reception of the short-range wireless communicationending, until the second signal is received by the first transceiver.15. A method, comprising: receiving, by a first transceiver, ashort-range wireless communication that induces a current to supplypower to a circuit; in response to the current being induced to supplypower to the circuit, connecting an energy source to activate a sensorin response to the sensor being connected to the energy source;detecting, by the sensor, a physiological parameter; transmitting, by asecond transceiver, a first signal indicating the physiologicalparameter to an external device; receiving, by the second transceiver, asecond signal disconnecting the energy source from the sensor; and inresponse to the second transceiver receiving the second signal, and thecurrent no longer being induced in the circuit, disconnecting the sensorfrom the energy source, the second signal being received utilizing adifferent communication protocol than the short-range wirelesscommunication inducing the current.
 16. The method of claim 15, furthercomprising: receiving, by an analog to digital converter and from thesensor, an analog signal comprising data indicating the physiologicalparameter; converting, by the analog to digital converter, the analogsignal to a digital signal; and transmitting, by the analog to digitalconverter and to the first transceiver, the digital signal, whereintransmitting the first signal further comprises transmitting, by thefirst transceiver, the digital signal as the first signal to theexternal device.
 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising:outputting, by a display or a speaker, information indicating thephysiological parameter.
 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising:disconnecting the second transceiver from the energy source in responseto the second transceiver receiving the second signal.
 19. The method ofclaim 15, further comprising: disconnecting the first transceiver andthe second transceiver from the energy source in response to the secondtransceiver receiving a third signal.
 20. The method of claim 15,further comprising: refraining from disconnecting the energy source, inresponse to reception of the short-range wireless communication ending,until the second signal is received by the first transceiver.